South Asian populations in the UK experience increased health risks related to long-term conditions, exacerbated by underdiagnosis, cultural differences in help-seeking behaviours, language barriers, low health literacy and a lack of culturally sensitive services. We know that group interventions that include education and rehabilitation, such as cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, are highly effective, but people from diverse communities often face barriers to access and engage with them. This review aims to synthesise evidence on the barriers and facilitators to education and rehabilitation interventions experienced by South Asian people living with long-term conditions.

A systematic review of qualitative studies using meta-ethnography as the analytical approach to synthesis was conducted, following Noblit and Hare’s approach, eMERGe Reporting Guidance for Meta-Ethnography, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Systematic searches were performed across MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, CENTRAL, EMBASE and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts from database inception through March 2024 (updated April 2025).

MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost platform), CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), EMBASE (Ovid), Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ProQuest platform) were searched from inception to March 2024 (updated April 2025).

We included qualitative research exploring the attitudes, views and experiences of South Asian adults (outside of South Asia) with diabetes, cardiovascular disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) regarding group treatments for these conditions.

Two independent reviewers searched, screened and coded studies, while remaining authors peer-reviewed. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Data extraction and synthesis followed eMERGe and PRISMA reporting guidance, with findings synthesised qualitatively.

Of 8348 identified citations, 17 studies met inclusion criteria, providing data from South Asian people living with cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. No studies including people with COPD met the inclusion criteria. Synthesis revealed four overarching themes, each incorporating both barriers and facilitators: faith, culture, communication, and safe space and professional relationship.

Findings indicate that current group education and rehabilitation interventions are not fully inclusive of South Asian needs, often lacking cultural sensitivity, which impedes engagement. Special attention is required for South Asian women, who can face additional cultural and societal barriers. Addressing these challenges through culturally sensitive care, such as flexible intervention scheduling around religious practices, gender-sensitive adaptations and culturally tailored communication strategies, has potential to improve engagement in education and rehabilitation interventions, and therefore long-term condition outcomes.

CRD42024493644.

To explore the views and perspectives of British South Asian (BSA) women and Positive Health Programme (PHP) facilitators on the usefulness and experiences of the PHP intervention for managing postnatal depression (PND) in primary care settings.

Qualitative study with semi-structured interviews to explore perceptions of acceptability and implementation. A patient and public involvement group provided their insights and feedback on study topic guides, analysis and outcomes.

We sampled trial participants from the PHP intervention database to ensure variation in geographic setting, age, socioeconomic status and ethnicity. PHP facilitators involved in the trial were also invited to participate in an interview.

Interviews with study participants were conducted at participants’ homes, and community centres, or via phone. Interviews with PHP facilitators were conducted via phone or online. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis and subsequently the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) was applied. Recruitment took place between February 2017 and March 2020.

Thirty interviews were conducted—19 trial participants and 11 PHP facilitators. The PHP intervention was viewed positively, with appreciation of its therapeutic content and components such as childcare and refreshments that facilitated engagement. Participants reported improved confidence and well-being and supported their needs. Participants understood the intervention’s purpose. Both intervention participants and facilitators noted strengthened self-efficacy.

Some participants experienced difficulties balancing childcare and attendance, implying a need for logistical assistance. Stigma about mental health in the BSA community was viewed as persistent, recommending future programmes efforts on strategies to reduce stigma and develop supportive environment.

This study demonstrates the possibility of PHP intervention being integrated into routine care by providing culturally tailored support for BSA women with PND, primarily through family engagement and facilitator support. Future research on scalability, alongside community engagement efforts, will strengthen its acceptability and broader applicability.

ISRCTN10697380.

Cervical cancer (CaCx) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in South Africa, often presenting at advanced stages and requiring chemoradiotherapy. In South Africa, the burden is disproportionately high among women living with HIV, with limited access to radiotherapy further compounding treatment challenges. Despite this documented disparity, limited data exist on patients in a South African context. This protocol describes the research methodology to assess patterns of care, treatment delays, interruptions and survival outcomes in patients with advanced CaCx, addressing an urgent need for local data in low-income and middle-income countries to provide evidence-based improvements in care.

The Cervical Cancer Cohort at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH-CCC), initiated in 2023, is a mixed retrospective and prospective single-centre study investigating the characteristics, challenges and outcomes of patients with advanced CaCx. It includes women aged ≥18 years with a histopathological diagnosis of stage IB3–IVA CaCx treated at CMJAH Radiation Oncology. The retrospective component covers data from September 2018 to August 2023. Data collection is complete and the team is currently conducting quality control. The prospective component began in October 2023 and aims to enrol participants over 2 years, with follow-up for up to 3 years. The study is ongoing, and an extension for continued enrolment beyond September 2025 is being sought. Participants provide baseline data on demographics, socioeconomic status, cultural influences and healthcare access, with updates every 3 months. When necessary, the next of kin provides follow-up information. The study aims to inform strategies to improve outcomes and reduce the CaCx burden in South Africa.

Ethics approval for this study was obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee (Medical) at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, with an ethical clearance certificate (MM221001 MED22-09-085). The results will be widely distributed through presentations at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed open-access journals, ensuring wide access to the results.